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Dominic Treadwell-Collins has some grand ambitions for EastEnders (Picture: BBC)

EastEnders’ executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins has revealed plans to introduce the first ever transgender character to Albert Square.

Speaking at a Student Pride event in London on Saturday, the producer – fresh from the revelations of the soap’s 30th anniversary live week – said that he was in the process of creating the Walford newcomer.

He added: ‘The power of EastEnders is to change the world – so you change it gently. I am intending to introduce a trans character.’

Treadwell-Collins also said he would be looking to cast a transgender actor in the role – but emphasised that the character was still in the early planning stages.

‘The pen hasn’t hit the paper yet,’ he admitted. ‘I am looking for actors and I need the right character.’

However he also exercised a note of caution, pointing out: ‘We have to be very, very careful about what we say. With EastEnders you’re preaching to a lot of people who don’t want to hear about LBGT issues.’

The new arrival wouldn’t be the first transgender character in a British soap, with EastEnders having already been beaten to it by Coronation Street’s Hayley Cropper – who bowed out in 2014 after 16 years on the cobbles.